Mumbai, Jan 2: Unseasonal rainfall accompanied by the threat of hailstorms is set to continue across Maharashtra over the next few days, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a heavy rain alert from January 2 to January 5.
The alert comes after unexpected showers on January 1, which followed a prolonged cold spell and caught residents in several parts of the state off guard, disrupting daily life and travel plans. January is typically a dry winter month in Maharashtra, making the sudden change in weather unusual.
According to the IMD, cloudy skies and intermittent light to moderate rainfall are likely to persist in many regions of the state over the next two to three days, with rain activity unlikely to withdraw completely in the near future.
“There is a possibility of hailstorms in isolated regions, which could adversely impact standing crops, especially in Marathwada and Vidarbha,” the IMD warned, raising concerns among farmers already dealing with erratic weather patterns.
Alongside rainfall, cold wave conditions are expected to persist across large parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Marathwada and Vidarbha, leading to uncomfortable early morning and late-night conditions.
On a broader scale, the IMD has forecast rainfall between January 2 and 5 in Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, with isolated hailstorms possible. In southern India, parts of Tamil Nadu are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall on January 2 and 3.
Several districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, Moradabad and Saharanpur, have also been placed under a light to moderate rain alert.
Meteorologists say such rapid weather fluctuations—from biting cold to unseasonal rain—are becoming increasingly frequent, posing challenges for agriculture, commuting and public health. The unstable weather has coincided with a surge in air pollution levels in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Pune, intensifying health concerns and drawing judicial scrutiny of civic authorities.
“Cloudy skies and sporadic rainfall are likely to continue in parts of Maharashtra over the next two to three days,” IMD officials said, advising residents to remain cautious.
The weather department has urged people to stay alert, monitor official updates and take necessary precautions during this period of unstable weather.
